TALKS OF NEW ARENA IN SAN ANTONIO "PREMATURE"

Spurs President Jack Diller said yesterday that talk of the
team wanting its own arena was "premature," according to today's
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. San Antonio Mayor Bill Thornton also
"continued to insist" that the Alamodome should be the team's
home. Spurs Chair Robert McDermott, who was quoted Wednesday
calling the dome "unsuitable," said he "didn't have a time frame"
on needs for a new arena, nor whether it would have to be
publically financed. McDermott: "In other cities, it has been
attractive to private investors. Hopefully, it will be here,
too." Rumors the team would relocate if not given a new arena
were also downplayed by one Spurs investor, USAA Property
Holdings. In a statement issued by the company: "As an
investor, USAA remains committed to keeping the Spurs in San
Antonio and we believe the franchise can operate successfully in
the Alamodome for the forseeable future." Mayor Thornton said he
asked Diller two weeks ago whether his goal was "financial
security or construction of a new arena." Thornton: "His answer
was quick and clear: Their goal was to make the team financially
secure based on regular-season revenue" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-
NEWS, 7/6). In a release, Diller said, "Spurs management is
currently working with city officials to try to find ways for the
Spurs to remain financially viable in the Alamodome. Until every
such avenue has been fully explored it would be premature to
discuss the need for any alternative facility" (Spurs).